The Philadelphia Eagles enter the 2020 NFL offseason with a need for dynamic playmakers on offense as Howie Roseman and company look to upgrade the roster at several pertinent positions.
Despite carrying a hefty load at wide receiver from a salary perspective, the Eagles are expected to be active during a historic NFL Draft that could see more than 8 wideouts selected in the first round.
Philadelphia doesn’t have to draft a receiver with their first-round pick, but this year would be as good as any year to take the leap.
With the Eagles needing a big-time playmaker on the outside or in the slot, here are the rankings of the top-7 wide receiver prospects in the 2020 NFL Draft.
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1. Jerry Jeudy — Alabama
The cream of the 2020 NFL Draft crop, Jeudy is arguably the best route runner in the class, and he marvels former Crimson Tide star Julio Jones with his ability to torment defenders on the perimeter.
2. Ceedee Lamb — Oklahoma
Lamb is dominant on the perimeter with exceptional hands and ball skills. Regarded as one of the best receivers in the 2020 NFL Draft, Lamb ended his 2019 season with 62 receptions, 1,327 yards, and 14 touchdowns. The 6’2” 190-pound receiver was named a First-Team All-American after his impressive 2019 season.
3. Henry Ruggs III — Alabama
Ruggs is the one constant name being linked to the Eagles this draft season, and he’d fit right into a league that’s already dominated by speed.
During a win over the South Carolina Gamecocks this season, Ruggs was clocked at 24.3 miles per hour on a touchdown run and he ran 10.58 seconds in the 100-meters in high school.
Ruggs averaged 18.6 yards per catch this season and 17.5 yards per catch during his three-year career at Bama with 25 total touchdowns.
Ruggs is more than just a vertical threat and his ability to make things happen with the ball in his hands gives him the best shot to be utilized like Hill in the Eagles offense.
4. Tee Higgins — Clemson
An imposing wideout, who stands 6-foot-4, Higgins is the biggest wideout of the elite first-round talents. The former Clemson All-American is a jump-ball specialist and a touchdown machine (25 the past two seasons).
Lacking the explosive playmaking abilities of Lamb, Jeudy or Ruggs, Higgins excels at outboxing cornerbacks in the red zone.
During his final season at Clemson, Higgins caught 59 passes for 1,167 yards and 13 touchdowns.
5. Laviska Shenault — Colorado
A jack of all trades and the closest thing to a Tyreek Hill for Carson Wentz, Shenault is a dynamic playmaker who can score from anywhere on the field and in a variety of different ways as well.
Shenault Jr. has elite skills as a runner and receiver and could become a matchup nightmare for Carson Wentz and the Eagles.
6. Brandon Aiyuk — Arizona State
After watching N’Keal Harry get all the attention from NFL scouts last season, Aiyuk assumed the mantle and exploded onto the scene. He’s rising up draft boards on a daily basis and could see another huge rise if he performs well at the combine.
Aiyuk is silky-smooth and has the potential to become a YAC monster in the NFL.
7. Justin Jefferson — LSU
Jefferson a fast and elusive playmaker who caught 111 passes for 1,540 yards and 18 touchdowns for the nation’s No. 1 team.
The 6-foot-3, 192-pounder is not a speed demon like Hill, but he’s consistent, makes big plays and is shifty enough to be a difference-maker.
In LSU’s national title win over Clemson, Jefferson had nine catches for 108 yards.
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